The Bhumia people live in northern Madhya Pradesh and Odisha (India). They speak the language of Odisha, Odia.
The name Bhumia is connected to the word "bhumi" which means "land." The Bhumia scheduled tribe are also known as Bhumia Thakur to their neighbors. They are believed to be the early settlers in the Jabalpur region.
They are closely related to forests. A part of their livelihood is derived from collecting and selling firewood. Agriculture is the main occupation where they make their living. Some work as laborers for contractors, while a few work as rickshaw pullers and errand boys. Some are engaged as sharecroppers and graziers.
They worship deities like Hanuman. Their important festivals are Holi, Diwali, Bhujalia, Akhati, Shivratri, and Rakhi. Their literacy rate is very low. Bhumia community lives in a small house-like hut. Men wear dhoti- kurta and women wear saree apart from it people can recognize them by seeing a tattoo on their body. Women wear neckless made with old coins. Their food is rice, wheat and vegetables, forest herbs, and maize. Meat is occasionally cooked on special occasions like festivals, marriages, etc.
